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Christy Turlington Burns is the founder of Every Mother Counts, a campaign dedicating to ending the hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths linked to pregnancy and childbirth that happen every year around the world. Prior to her work with Every Mother Counts, Christy directed and produced "No Woman, No Cry", a documentary about the state of maternal health for mothers worldwide. As a part of "No Woman, No Cry", Christy dared to share her personal experience with postpartum hemorrhage, a condition that claims the lives of nearly 350,000 mothers every year.

I can’t remember the last time I was this excited to read so many books—and I’m a pretty voracious reader. Just in time for Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, here are three books about the state of the world’s women—two from international leaders and one from a US business executive. All showcase the importance of fighting for change.

It's no newsflash: women are daring to change the world. Nearly every day there are headlines, from Malala Yousafzai in Pakistan to Hillary Clinton in the US, detailing accomplishments from courageous women of all ages and backgrounds.

Susan Akajo Oregede has dedicated the past several years of her life to changing gender norms in Uganda, daring to challenge resistance, tradition, and even her community’s leaders to address issues like women’s equality, gender-based violence, and adolescent sexuality.

Pinki Kumari’s life has not been without its challenges. Staying in school meant overcoming financial and societal barriers. She lost her husband at a young age and struggled to support herself because of cultural and religious restrictions that limit her mobility as a woman in India. Against all odds, Pinki not only dared to find her own voice, but found her passion in helping others find theirs.

Nafis Sadik has been called one of the most powerful women in the world. One of the greatest women’s advocates of the twentieth century, Nafis is an obstetrician, author, mother, and global thought leader who, for decades, has emphasized the importance of sexual and reproductive health and rights as a means to women’s empowerment.

For Jessie Jenkins, a trip to Ethiopia meant a fresh perspective on reproductive health. As an activist for reproductive rights, she always understood the importance of this compelling cause, but seeing women being empowered firsthand stuck with her.

It is our hope, that in his new position, Secretary Kerry will continue to support and advocate for women’s health and rights.

On January 21, 2013, Barack Obama was sworn in to his second term as President of the United States. With battles continuing over the federal budget for the foreseeable future, as well as critical issues both at home and abroad, the President has a lot on his plate.

At Pathfinder International, we believe that reproductive health is essential for creating better opportunities throughout life. When people take charge of their life choice—such as if, when, and how often to have children—they gain confidence and strength. They can better pursue their education, contribute to the local economy, and engage in their communities.

I traveled home to India over Christmas to spend time with family—a time that should be filled with cheer. Yet this trip has been overshadowed by the terrible, horrific gang rape of a young Indian woman.

In March of this year, I asked, “Is 2012 the Year for Women and Girls?” Now, as the year winds to a close, I find myself looking back on my call for stronger partnerships, more global coalitions and wondering, are those enough?

Over the past two weeks, Republican and Democratic delegates met at their conventions to formally select their presidential and vice presidential candidates, and to approve their respective party platforms. While the Republican and Democratic Party platforms have some commonalities, there are also contrasting differences.

The focus on development initiatives for women over the last few years has been inspiring, particularly in reproductive health, but Caroline Crosbie believes radical change is on the horizon in 2012.

Excitement fills the room at Pathfinder's launch event for a new Lake Victoria Integrated Community-Managed Population, Health and Environment Project that is set to unfold in Uganda and Kenya.

Kathleen Wilbur reflects on maternal morality and the need for privileged citizens to help women in need.

Because of issues such as gender inequality and lack of funding, people around the world struggle to find adequate sexual and reproductive health care. Jaime-Alexis Fowler gives the top ten barriers to quality care in the developing world.

Kristy Kade, argues that the recent Second Circuit ruling corrects a policy that ties the hands of organizations working to stop the spread of HIV.

It took the world 200,000 years to reach 1 billion people. It's only taken us 207 years to reach 7 billion. This World Population Day, there are 7 billion reasons to care, and 7 billion reasons to take action

A federal appeals court upheld a case brought by Pathfinder International and Alliance for Open Society International, which challenged a government rule commonly referred to as the "anti-prostitution loyalty oath."